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14-Day Classic China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
Travel from Shanghai to the Yangtze River, Xi’an, and Beijing with local guides, comfortable transfers, high-speed train or domestic flight connections, and carefully selected cultural experiences. Along the way, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoy authentic local food, and rel ax on a scenic river cruise through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the Three Gorges Dam area.
Private Tour
Your own guide, driver, and flexible pace.
Yangtze Cruise
Relax through the Three Gorges by cruise ship.
Iconic Highlights
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Li River.
Best For
First-time visitors, families, couples, and seniors.
What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
Your 14-Day Classic China Tour at a Glance
A well-paced journey from Hong Kong to Beijing, combining China’s modern city life, Guilin’s natural beauty, a relaxing Yangtze River cruise, ancient Xi’an, and Beijing’s greatest imperial landmarks.
| Days | Destination | What You’ll Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Hong Kong | Start your China vacation on Hong Kong Island. Visit Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, and enjoy free time to experience the city’s skyline, local food, and East-meets-West charm. |
| 3–5 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Discover the natural beauty of southern China with a Li River cruise, countryside views, local farmers, West Street, and breathtaking karst scenery. |
| 6–8 | Yangtze River Cruise | Enjoy a relaxing Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges. Visit Fengdu Ghost City or other shore excursion sites, sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, and see the Three Gorges Dam site. |
| 9–10 | Xi’an | Explore China’s ancient capital. See the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, walk the Ancient City Wall, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and taste local food in the Muslim Quarter. |
| 11–14 | Beijing | End your journey with China’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall of China. |
A Seamless 14-Day Journey Through China’s Greatest Highlights
This 14-day classic China tour with Yangtze River Cruise covers Hong Kong, Guilin, the Yangtze River, Xi’an, and Beijing. See Victoria Peak, Li River scenery, the Three Gorges, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, and Great Wall in one comfortable private journey.
Domestic Flights for Longer Distances
High-Speed Trains for Shorter Routes
Why Travelers Love This China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
This 14-day journey combines China’s must-see landmarks, local culture, natural beauty, and a relaxing Yangtze River cruise. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a comfortable private tour covering Hong Kong, Guilin, the Three Gorges, Xi’an, and Beijing.
Cruise Through the Heart of the Yangtze River
Relax on a scenic Yangtze River cruise as your ship sails through the legendary Three Gorges. Enjoy river views, onboard activities, local cuisine, and shore excursions such as Fengdu Ghost City or the Three Gorges Dam site. It is the most relaxing part of this classic China journey.
See Hong Kong from Its Most Iconic Viewpoint
Begin your trip with the energy of Hong Kong Island. Ride up to Victoria Peak and enjoy a panoramic view of the skyline, harbor, and surrounding mountains — a perfect first impression of modern China with old-world charm.
Sail Along the Li River’s Dreamlike Karst Scenery
Take a comfortable cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and watch limestone peaks, bamboo groves, riverside villages, and water buffalo slowly pass by. This is one of China’s most beautiful natural landscapes and a highlight for photography lovers.
Step into Real Countryside Life in Yangshuo
Go beyond sightseeing and experience local life in the villages around Yangshuo. Visit local farmers, see traditional houses, explore a local market, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the countryside away from big cities.
Drift Quietly on the Yulong River
Enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River, where the scenery is softer, quieter, and more intimate than the main Li River. Float past green fields, karst hills, and village paths for a slow and peaceful travel moment.
Watch Traditional Chinese Opera in Xi’an
Enjoy tea while watching traditional performances such as Qin opera, shadow puppetry, Huayin Laoqiang, or Sichuan opera face-changing. This is a vivid way to experience Chinese culture, local customs, and ancient entertainment traditions.
Discover the Story Behind the Terracotta Warriors
Stand face to face with the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s greatest archaeological wonders. Your guide will help you understand the army’s history, hidden details, and connection to Xi’an as an ancient capital.
Walk the Most Scenic Part of the Great Wall
Hike the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most beautiful and well-restored sections of the Great Wall of China. With a round-trip cable car arranged, you can save energy and spend more time enjoying the watchtowers, mountain views, and unforgettable scenery.
Explore the Imperial World of the Forbidden City
Visit the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk through grand halls, quiet courtyards, and symbolic gates as your guide brings China’s imperial past to life.
See China’s Icons Without Rushing
This private China tour balances world-famous landmarks with slow travel moments. Walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, meet the Terracotta Warriors, cruise the Li River, and unwind on a Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges — all at a well-paced rhythm with private guides and comfortable transfers.
Suggested 14-Day Classic China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
Your real journey can be shaped around your travel style, hotel preferences, cruise cabin choice, and pace. This suggested itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see China’s classic highlights while enjoying a relaxing Yangtze River cruise.
Day 1 – Arrive in Hong Kong
Welcome to China. Upon arrival at Hong Kong airport, your private guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight or explore nearby at your own pace.
Meals: Not included
Overnight: Hong Kong
Day 2 – Hong Kong Island Highlights
Start your journey with a half-day Hong Kong Island tour. Ride up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the skyline, Victoria Harbour, and surrounding hills.
Continue to Aberdeen to see Hong Kong’s old fishing culture, then visit Repulse Bay, one of the city’s most famous seaside areas. The afternoon is free for shopping, café time, or your own discovery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights: Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Repulse Bay
Overnight: Hong Kong
Day 3 – Hong Kong to Guilin by High-Speed Train
After breakfast, take a comfortable high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin, a city famous for its limestone peaks, rivers, and soft southern landscapes.
Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Guilin.
Meals: Breakfast
Travel: High-speed train
Overnight: Guilin
Day 4 – Guilin to Yangshuo | Li River Cruise
Today, enjoy one of China’s most beautiful river journeys — the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo.
As your boat sails downstream, you will see karst peaks, bamboo groves, quiet villages, local farmers, and wide river views. On misty days, the scenery feels like a traditional Chinese painting.
Arrive in Yangshuo and enjoy free time on West Street or in the peaceful countryside.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights: Li River, karst scenery, Yangshuo
Overnight: Yangshuo
Day 5 – Yangshuo Countryside & Yulong River Bamboo Raft
Go deeper into Yangshuo’s countryside and experience local life beyond the main tourist route.
Visit peaceful villages, meet local farmers, see traditional houses, and explore a local market. Later, enjoy bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, where clear water, green fields, old bridges, and limestone hills create a calm and beautiful scene.
This is one of the most relaxing and authentic days of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights: Local farmers, Yulong River, bamboo rafting, countryside life
Overnight: Yangshuo
Day 6 – Yangshuo to Chongqing | Board the Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely morning before traveling to Chongqing.
Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the cruise terminal to board your Yangtze River cruise ship. Settle into your cabin, enjoy dinner onboard, and begin your relaxing cruise journey along the Yangtze River.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel: Train or flight, private transfer
Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 7 – Yangtze River Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City
Spend the day enjoying your relaxing Yangtze River cruise. Watch the river scenery from the deck, join onboard activities, or simply enjoy the slower pace.
Today’s shore excursion usually includes Fengdu Ghost City, a historical and cultural site with temples, legends, and traditional architecture connected to Chinese beliefs about the afterlife.
Return to the cruise ship and enjoy the evening onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights: Fengdu Ghost City, shore excursion, Yangtze River views
Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 8 – Yangtze River Cruise | Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Shennong Stream
Begin the morning with peaceful river views or optional Tai Chi on deck.
Today is one of the most scenic parts of the Yangtze cruise tour. Sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, where steep cliffs, winding water, and dramatic mountains create breathtaking scenery.
You may also take a shore excursion to Shennong Stream, a beautiful tributary known for clear water and deep gorge landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream, Three Gorges scenery
Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 9 – Yichang to Xi’an | Three Gorges Dam Site
After breakfast, disembark in Yichang and visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam site, one of the most important engineering landmarks on the Yangtze River.
After the visit, travel onward to Xi’an, one of China’s most famous ancient capitals. Your guide will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Xi’an arrival
Overnight: Xi’an
Day 10 – Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall & Cultural Show
Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Your guide will help you understand the stories, details, and history behind this magnificent underground army.
In the afternoon, walk or cycle on the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved ancient city wall in China.
In the evening, enjoy tea at a traditional theater near the Muslim Quarter while watching local cultural performances such as Qin opera, shadow puppetry, or face-changing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Chinese opera
Overnight: Xi’an
Day 11 – Xi’an to Beijing | Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi’an Museum
Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a graceful Tang Dynasty pagoda with peaceful temple grounds and rich history. Nearby, explore Xi’an Museum, which presents the city’s long role as an ancient capital.
After lunch, take a bullet train to Beijing. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel: Bullet train
Highlights: Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum
Overnight: Beijing
Day 12 – Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace
Begin your Beijing discovery at Tiananmen Square, also known as the Square of Heavenly Peace.
Then enter the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk through grand halls, courtyards, gates, and gardens while your guide brings China’s imperial past to life.
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Enjoy views of Kunming Lake and the elegant lakeside architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Kunming Lake
Overnight: Beijing
Day 13 – Beijing | Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. It is also a wonderful place to see local life, as many Beijing residents come here for morning exercises, singing, and social activities.
After lunch, travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and beautifully restored sections of the Great Wall of China. A round-trip cable car is arranged to save your energy, giving you more time to enjoy the watchtowers and mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, cable car
Overnight: Beijing
Day 14 – Depart Beijing
Your 14-day classic China tour with Yangtze River Cruise comes to an end today.
Your private guide and driver will transfer you to Beijing airport for your departure flight. We hope this journey leaves you with unforgettable memories of China’s rich history, local culture, natural beauty, and great river landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Beijing airport departure
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
From US$4,239
per person
Tour Code:GCQ-14D-YRC
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Customize Your Journey (Optional)
This is a fully flexible private tour. Let us know how you’d like to adjust the itinerary — our travel specialists will take care of every detail.
Popular customization options include:
Adjusting the travel pace or adding rest time
Extending the journey or adding nearby destinations
Upgrading hotel standards or choosing scenic stays
Accommodating dietary preferences and special requests
Simply share your ideas, and we’ll tailor the journey to match your travel style.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- Visa-Free Entry to China — check if your passport is eligible.
- How to Visit China Without a Visa — 144-hour transit options.
- eSIM & Mobile Payments in China — WeChat Pay, Alipay and bank cards.
- China Weather by Month — plan around seasons and festivals.
Start Planning Your China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
Share your travel dates, preferred pace, hotel style, and cruise cabin choice. We’ll customize a 14-day private China tour covering Hong Kong, Guilin, the Yangtze River, Xi’an, and Beijing — with smooth planning, local guides, and unforgettable highlights.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
Before You Travel: 14-Day China & Yangtze River Cruise Guide
Planning a China tour can feel complex, especially with multiple cities, high-speed trains, domestic flights, and a Yangtze River cruise. These answers will help you understand the journey clearly before you decide.
Is this 14-day classic China tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see China’s classic highlights in one journey, including Hong Kong, Guilin, the Yangtze River Cruise, Xi’an, and Beijing.
What are the main highlights of this China tour with Yangtze River Cruise?
The main highlights include Victoria Peak, Li River, Yangshuo countryside, Yulong River bamboo rafting, Fengdu Ghost City, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall.
Is the Yangtze River Cruise relaxing or very busy?
The Yangtze River Cruise is one of the most relaxing parts of the tour. You can enjoy river views, onboard activities, local cuisine, and shore excursions while traveling comfortably through the Three Gorges area.
Can this 14-day China tour be customized?
Yes. This is a private China tour, so the route, hotel level, cruise cabin, travel pace, meal preferences, and sightseeing order can be adjusted according to your needs.
How do we travel between cities during the tour?
The tour uses comfortable transport such as high-speed trains, domestic flights, private vehicles, and the Yangtze River cruise ship. Your local guides and drivers will assist with transfers in each destination.
What is the best time to take this 14-day China tour?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with pleasant weather for city sightseeing, the Great Wall, Guilin scenery, and the Yangtze River Cruise. Summer and winter are also possible with proper planning.
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